Joseph Clair "Joe" Conlon

1942 - 2025

Born Dec. 10, 1942, in St. Peter, Minnesota, passed away peacefully, asleep in his recliner on Sept. 21, 2025, in Yuma, Arizona. Joe lived a life defined by hard work, love of trucking, and deep pride in his family.
Growing up on a farm in Minnesota alongside his older brother Glenn, Joe developed a passion for trucks and the open road at a young age. His first trucking job was the beginning of a lifelong career that would span millions of miles. On Jan. 14, 1962, he married Jeanette (Jeanie) Darlene Erickson, and together they raised three children, Jim, Jerry, and Jody.
Joe began by hauling grain across Minnesota and the surrounding states, eventually building Joe Conlon Trucking into a fleet of nine trucks by the late 1970s. In 1975, he was honored to work on the Alaska pipeline, a job that inspired his love for Alaska. In the summer of 1980, Joe moved his family to North Pole, Alaska, where he drove the Dalton Highway for Mukluk Freight Lines. Over the years, he worked as an owner-operator on many projects throughout Interior Alaska, including cleanup efforts after the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill.
Later, Joe moved to Vancouver, Washington, but continued his trucking career as an owner-operator for companies like Vic Hoskins. He frequently returned to Alaska, never losing touch with the state he loved or with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joe was proud to say he had driven "millions and millions of miles" and if not for declining health, he would have gladly driven a million more. He retired in 2022 only when health challenges made it necessary.
Above all else, Joe's greatest joy was his family. He cherished every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild, building unique and special bonds with each one. His pride in their values, morals, and accomplishments will remain his enduring legacy.
Joe is survived by his children, Jim and Royce Conlon, Jerry and Shannon Winner-Conlon, Jody and Jason Thomas; grandchildren, Justin and Ellen Conlon, Jordann and Jeff Rady, Tanner and Sarah Conlon, Troy and Chloe Conlon, Tawnee and Grant Hutchinson, Zach and Savannah Winner, Mason and Rebecca Graves, Kassie Graves, Shayna, Sydney, and Trevor Thomas as well as many honorary others he chose to love as family along the way; great-grandchildren, Jack, Avery, Paetynn, Rozlynn, Carver, Hatcher, Harlow, Nash, Jetlynn, Jovie, and three more blessings on the way; nieces and nephews, Kristi Garbow, Katie (Chris) Tack, Christoper (Alicia) Conlon, Michael Conlon.
Joe's life on the road was long and full, but his greatest journey was the love he shared with his family and friends. He leaves behind not just memories, but a legacy of resilience, generosity, and affection that will guide generations to come.
Joe is preceded in death by his nephew, Greg Conlon; brother, Glenn Conlon; and his parents, Arnold and Lela Conlon.
A Celebration of Life will be held in May 2026 in Fairbanks, so that all of his family and friends may gather together in his honor.